THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is proposing the activation of its sub-station within the Cagayan de Oro area of responsibility.

"Sa ngayon, ang Coast Guard natin ay nasa Macabalan lang, so we want to expand and I think the mayor will support it," Coast Guard Station Commander of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro Patrick John Cabasag said.

According to Cabasag, the proposed expansion would help improve the capabilities of the Coast Guard to immediately respond to any cases of flooding and drowning incidents, especially in river areas.

"Based on our records, isa ang Cagayan de Oro sa maraming drowning incidents," Cabasag said.

He added that in a year, they recorded more or less 10 drowning incidents in the city.

The Coast Guard commander further said through establishing sub-stations, they can strengthen the Coast Guard within Cagayan de Oro, especially in flood-prone areas.

Among the areas identified by the Coast Guard are Barangays Macasandig, Carmen, Balulang, Tablon, Lapasan, and Puerto.

"Kung meron ng Coast Guard, at least kahit papaano it would serve as a deterrent and at least may authority dyan na ma-educate din sila (the residents) about water safety. Its better na may Coast Guard dyan," Cabasag said.